By William McCallum, IM CEO
You asked, we listened, and now, we are preparing to deliver! I am excited to tell you today about our new curriculum, IM 360, which was developed based on your thoughtful feedback. IM 360 is the most comprehensive revision of our curriculum to date, with many new features and updates designed to make teaching easier for teachers and make learning more engaging and accessible for students, while still holding true to our problem-based instructional model. IM 360 takes students around the world of mathematics and its applications, guided by the compass of coherence.
We have always designed the IM curriculum to invite all students into the circle of learning through engaging activities with multiple entry points. For this new edition, we performed a thorough audit of contexts for our word problems to ensure that students of all cultures can see themselves in the mathematics. I am so proud of the writing team, which has worked hard to improve the curriculum, inspired by the warm response and critical feedback we have received. I am grateful to all the teachers and school leaders who have partnered with us to provide feedback and suggestions for new features.
Here are some details about the additions and changes we have made:
New to K–5 are Language Learning Goals, End of Unit Guidance, Checklist Guidance, and two optional lessons specific to number writing in kindergarten. In addition, we are strengthening our existing representations of diverse cultures based on feedback, and revising our Course Guides, guidance on the Standards for Mathematical Practice, Instructional Routines, Modeling Lessons, and all blackline masters to ensure accuracy, consistency, and continuity.
New to 6–12 are embedded Math Language Routines, Section Narratives, Section Goals, Section Checkpoints, Teacher Reflection Questions, and guidance for building and supporting a math community throughout the year. We are also updating standard language about Instructional Routines for clarity, revising lessons based on feedback, using assessment data to revise assessments, revising contexts to be more representative of diverse cultures, and increasing the number of environmentally focused contexts. Specific to the California adoption, new activities and modeling prompts for high school courses will address California modifications and additions to the CCSS.
A free digital version of IM 360, including downloadable print materials, will be released on the IM website beginning in summer 2024, and enhanced digital and print formats will be available through IM Certified Partners for school years 2024-25 and beyond. I look forward to continuing our journey around the world of mathematics with you!
Preview Samples of the IM 360 Curriculum
- Sample of IM 360, Grade 1, Unit 2
- Sample of IM 360, Grade 4, Unit 2
- Sample of IM 360, Grade 7, Unit 2
- Sample of IM 360, Grade 8, Unit 3
William McCallum
IM CEO
Bill McCallum has dedicated his life to helping teachers, educators, mathematicians, and policymakers show fidelity to both mathematical coherence and student learning.
He is an Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Mathematics at The University of Arizona, where he researches number theory and arithmetical algebraic geometry, authors textbooks, and advises researchers and policymakers. Bill’s work as a lead writer of the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics earned him the Distinguished Public Service Award from the American Mathematical Society and the Dolciani Award from the Mathematical Association of America.
As CEO and co-founder of Illustrative Mathematics, he chairs the Board of Directors where he helps craft the strategic direction of the organization and contributes to the curricula; he also represents IM to funders, at speaking events, and in workshops.
